Lady Jane Rochford, Viscount of Rochford

She notoriously accused both her husband- George Boleyn, and his sister- Anne Boleyn of incest and treason which sent them both to the executioner's block. She later testified against Anne of Cleves, which could (but didn't) have resulted in the latter's death and then against Catherine Howard, which sent both Lady Rochford and Catherine Howard to their death. This woman is rarely spoken about but she was lady-in-waiting to five of Henry VIII's wives.

Lady Jane Rochford was born in Norfolk in circa 1505. Her father was Henry Parker, 10th Baron Morley, a court translator and peer; he was knighted at the coronation of Anne Boleyn. Her mother was Alice St. John and her father was a 1st cousin to Henry VII. Jane had two siblings, the first was Margaret Parker, who married Sir John Shelton and the second was Henry Parker, a politician for Hertfordshire. Probably educated at home, Jane went to court to be a lady-in-waiting to Henry VIII's first wife- Catherine of Aragon before the age of fifteen. Jane's name is recorded in the lists of courtiers who accompanied the king and queen to France for the 'Field of the Cloth of Gold' tournament in 1520. Also, she was recorded to have performed in the court pageant in 1522.

George Boleyn 

Around 1525, the Parkers organised their daughter to marry George Boleyn. Meanwhile George's sister was being pursued by Henry VIII. Therefore the king's wedding present to the couple was Grimston Manor in Norfolk. In 1529, George was given the title Viscount Rochford. However the Boleyn family's fortune grew and Jane and George Boleyn became residents at the Palace of Beaulieu, which had hot and cold running water! Many novelists and historians give the impression that the couple's marriage was unhappy yet there is no solid evidence for this. It is likely that George Boleyn had mistresses but that wasn't unusual as many noblemen did. But the fact that Jane testified against her husband in 1536 at the downfall of Anne Boleyn, may infer that there was some tension and strain in the arranged marriage. There is also suggestions that they had one son, another George Boleyn, who died in 1603, but it is unlikely.

Jane was present at the death of Henry's third wife Jane Seymour but then retired from court. However she returned at the arrival of Anne of Cleves to be a lady-in-waiting. After Anne and Henry's divorce, Jane's cousin by marriage (Catherine Howard) became queen. Unfortunately, Jane assisted Catherine in her affairs and was arrested with the queen in 1542.

Both Catherine Howard and Jane Rochford were found guilty of the Act of Attainder and were sentenced to beheading on the same day, 13th February 1542. Before the charge was passed, it was illegal to kill a mad person, instead, they would be sent to convent. Knowing this, Jane faked being mad but upon discovering that she was going to be beheaded, she protested her innocence. Lady Jane Rochford died the same fate as her husband, sister-in-law and cousin.


Sources:
~ Wikipedia: Henry Parker, 10th Baron Morley
~ Good Gentlewoman: Alice St John, Lady Morley